England 'going places' despite Six Nations struggles, says Maro Itoje after France thriller

React to this story

England won just one of their five Six Nations games and finished second-bottom of the table following a thrilling 48-46 defeat to champions France in Paris. There have been calls for head coach Steve Borthwick to go following some disappointing defeats but captain Maro Itoje insisted after the game that the team is "going places."

'We aren't seeing it' - Why Ashton is 'confused' over England's Six Nations campaign

Video credit: TNT Sports

England are "going places" under Steve Borthwick - despite a dismal Six Nations campaign.

That is the view of captain Maro Itoje after France beat them 48-46 in a thrilling game in Paris to win the tournament ahead of Ireland, who had beaten Scotland earlier in the day to claim the Triple Crown for the fourth time in five years.

Tommy Freeman's 77th-minute try had seemingly secured a massive win for England - and another trophy for Ireland - but Thomas Ramos kicked a late penalty to win the game for the home side.

Nations Championship

Borthwick hits out at ‘negativity committee' amid warning over discipline

19/07/2026 at 13:21

England, beaten by Italy a week earlier, finished second-bottom of the Six Nations table, and there have been calls for head coach Borthwick to go.

However Itoje, who addressed the team on the pitch after the game, is certain that England will "be better" for a Six Nations campaign which saw them win just one match.

"We had a tough couple of games, and, tonight, we are disappointed to lose, but we showed the spirit of this team," Itoje told ITV.

Highlights: Leicester overcome holders Bath to reach final

Video credit: TNT Sports

"In sport, you often don't want to go through what we have in the last four games, but I truly believe we are going places - and will be better for it.

"We knew we had to attack the game more, our conversion of territory into points had to get better, and it paid dividends.

"We need to attack the game. Test match rugby is a tough sport and you have to be sharp and on it. We will regroup and be better."

Borthwick's verdict

Borthwick conceded that England have been "disappointing" in recent weeks, but insisted that the team is moving forward.

"Firstly, congratulations to France, they are a tremendous team, and it was an excellent game," Borthwick told ITV. "Last year, we won it very late in the game, and it's the nature of this fixture.

"It has taken time to get the relationships in the team. We have been disappointing in the last few weeks, and we wanted a result tonight, but we hope the fans can be proud of how the team played.

"The yellow cards have hurt us, but I think tonight's was very debatable. Luck has gone against us, but we have to be better than that. I'm very clear on the direction of the team.

"We wanted to achieve more in the tournament, clearly, but we will make sure we do that going forwards."

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

Nations Championship